Radio communication system, radio station, radio terminal, communication control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

ABSTRACT

A radio terminal ( 3 ) can perform carrier aggregation using a first cell ( 10 ) of a first radio station ( 1 ) and a second cell ( 20 ) of a second radio station ( 2 ). The first radio station ( 1 ) performs, with the radio terminal ( 3 ), radio resource control for the first cell ( 10 ) and the second cell ( 20 ) in order to perform the carrier aggregation. At least one of the second radio station ( 2 ) and the radio terminal ( 3 ) is configured to transmit, to the first radio station ( 10 ), information about a problem occurring in a radio link in the second cell ( 20 ) between the second radio station ( 20 ) and the radio terminal ( 30 ) while the carrier aggregation of the first cell ( 10 ) and the second cell ( 20 ) is being performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation patent application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/381,410, filed Jul. 21, 2021, which is acontinuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/660,304, filed Oct. 22, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,102,837), which isa continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/584,855, filed May 2, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,492,244), which is acontinuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/767,098, filed Aug. 11, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,206,242), which isa national stage application of International Application No.PCT/JP2014/000455 entitled “RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, RADIO STATION,RADIO TERMINAL, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, AND NON-TRANSITORYCOMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM,” filed on Jan. 29, 2014, which claims thebenefit of the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-038971,filed on Feb. 28, 2013, the disclosures of each of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a radio communication system in which aradio station communicates with a radio terminal by using a plurality ofcells.

BACKGROUND ART

In order to improve the degradation of communication quality due todrastic increases in mobile traffic in recent years and achieve fastercommunication, the standardization of Carrier Aggregation (CA) functionsthat enable a radio terminal (User Equipment (UE)) to communicate with aradio base station (eNode B (eNB)) by using a plurality of cells hasbeen undertaken in the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE). Note that thecells that a UE (User Equipment) can use in CA are limited to aplurality of cells of one eNB (i.e., a plurality of cells served by oneeNB).

The cells that are used by a UE in CA are categorized into a PrimaryCell (PCell) that has already been used as a serving cell when the CA isstarted and a Secondary Cell(s) (SCell(s)) that is used in addition tothe PCell or in dependence thereon. Each SCell can be used by a UE asthe need arises, and the use of them can be stopped. Note that startingthe use of an SCell is called “activating” or “activation”. Similarly,stopping the use of an SCell is called “deactivating” or “deactivation”.Non-Access Stratum (NAS) mobility information, security information(security input) and the like are transmitted and received through aPCell during radio connection (re)-establishment (RRC connectionEstablishment/Re-establishment) (see Non-patent Literature 1). Adownlink (DL) Carrier and an uplink (UL) Carrier corresponding to aPCell are called “DL Primary Component Carrier (PCC)” and “UL PCC”,respectively. Similarly, a DL Carrier and a UL Carrier corresponding toa SCell are called “DL Secondary Component Carrier (SCC)” and “UL SCC”,respectively.

A radio link recovery procedure that is performed when radio linkdisconnection (Radio Link Failure (RLF)) occurs in a radio link in aPCell during downlink data (DL data) transmission in CA is explainedwith reference to FIG. 10 (Non-patent Literature 2). Here, it is assumedthat a UE uses a first cell (Cell1) served by an eNB as a PCell and usesa second cell (Cell2) as an SCell.

In steps S1 and S2, the eNB transmits DL data to the UE by using thePCell (Cell1) and the SCell (Cell2). In a step S3, the quality of theradio link in the PCell deteriorates and the DL data transmission fromthe eNB to the UE fails. In a step S4, the UE detects the RLF in thePCell (Cell1). In a step S5, the UE transmits a request for thereconnection of the radio link in the PCell (Cell1) (RRC ConnectionReestablishment Request). In a step S6, the UE releases the SCell(Cell2) (SCell (Cell2) release). In a step S7, the eNB transmits aresponse to the reconnection request through the PCell (Cell1) (RRCConnection Reestablishment). In a step S8, the UE transmits a reportabout the completion of the reconnection through the PCell (Cell1) (RRCConnection Reestablishment Complete). As a result, the UE can receive DLdata in the Cell1 again. In a step S9, the eNB transmits DL data to theUE by using the PCell (Cell1).

In FIG. 10 , an example in which the UE detects the RLF is shown.However, when the eNB can detect the RLF before the UE does, the eNB maytrigger the reconnection. As described above, in ordinary CA, the UE orthe eNB can detect an RLF occurring in the PCell and reestablish theradio link connection. Accordingly, the eNB and the UE can resume datatransmission, thus making it possible to minimize packet losses and thelike caused by RLFs in the PCell. Note that, when the SCell (Cell2)needs to be used again after the completion of the reconnection, the eNBtransmits configuration information for the SCell to the UE (RRCConnection Reconfiguration including SCell configuration) and alsotransmits to the UE a message indicating start of using the SCell(called “Activation”).

CITATION LIST Non Patent Literature

-   Non-patent Literature 1: 3GPP TS 36.300 V11.3.0, “Evolved Universal    Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial    Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall description; Stage 2    (Release 11)”, Section 7.5, September 2012-   Non-patent Literature 2: 3GPP TS 36.331 V11.2.0, “Evolved Universal    Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Radio Resource Control (RRC);    Protocol specification (Release 11)”, Section 5.3.7 and 5.3.11,    December 2012-   Non-patent Literature 3: 3GPP RWS-120046, Samsung Electronics,    “Technologies for Rel-12 and Onwards”, 3GPP TSG RAN Workshop on    Rel-12 and Onwards, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 11-12 Jun. 2012-   Non-patent Literature 4: 3GPP RWS-120010, NTT DOCOMO, “Requirements,    Candidate Solutions & Technology Roadmap for LTE Rel-12 Onward”,    3GPP TSG RAN Workshop on Rel-12 and Onwards, Ljubljana, Slovenia,    11-12 Jun. 2012

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In carrier aggregation (CA), providing a radio terminal (UE) with afunction of detecting an RLF in the primary cell (PCell) enables thereconnection of the radio link. Note that the CA does not have afunction of detecting an RLF occurring in the secondary cell (SCell).This is because the SCell is a supplementary cell, and thus no seriousproblem occurs for the communication as long as the radio link in thePCell is normally connected.

Meanwhile, inter-base station carrier aggregation (inter-eNB CA) inwhich cells of different radio base stations (eNBs) are simultaneouslyused has been proposed (Non-patent Literatures 3 and 4). For example, acell of a macro base station (Macro eNB (MeNB)) and a cell of alow-power base station (Low Power Node (LPN)) are simultaneously used asa PCell and an SCell, respectively. In inter-base station (or inter-eNB)carrier aggregation, bearers are independently configured in the PCelland the SCell and communication is performed between an UE and the MeNBand between the UE and the LPN.

If the architecture of ordinary CA is applied to the inter-eNB CA, it isconceivable that an MeNB controls configuration of radio parameters andthe like for both the PCell and the SCell in the inter-eNB CA. In thiscase, RLF detection in the PCell by the UE and the reconnection of theradio link in the PCell can be performed in a manner similar to that forthe ordinary CA. However, RLF detection and accompanying radio-linkreconnection in the SCell are not performed. Accordingly, the MeNBcannot recognize an RLF occurring in the SCell, thus causing apossibility that a state where communication (e.g., data transmission)is not properly carried out in the SCell continues. The continuation ofthe state where communication is not properly carried out in the SCellcauses a possibility of occurrences of packet losses.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a radiocommunication system, a radio station, a radio terminal, a communicationcontrol method, and a program which are contribute to reduction ofpacket losses caused by an occurrence of a radio link problem (e.g., anRLF) in a secondary cell during carrier aggregation of a plurality ofcells served by different radio stations.

Solution to Problem

In a first aspect, a radio communication system includes a first radiostation that serves a first cell, a second radio station that serves asecond cell, and a radio terminal capable of performing carrieraggregation of the first and second cells. The first radio station isconfigured to perform, with the radio terminal, radio resource controlfor the first and second cells in order to perform the carrieraggregation. At least one of the second radio station and the radioterminal is configured to transmit, to the first radio station,information about a radio link problem occurring in a radio link in thesecond cell between the second radio station and the radio terminalwhile the carrier aggregation is being performed.

In a second aspect, a first radio station that serves a first cellincludes a communication control unit. The communication control unitsupports carrier aggregation of the first cell and a second cell servedby a second radio station. The communication control unit performs, witha radio terminal, radio resource control for the first and second cellsin order to perform the carrier aggregation in the radio terminal.Further, the communication control unit receives, from at least one ofthe second radio station and the radio terminal, at least one of:information about a radio link problem occurring in a radio link in thesecond cell between the second radio station and the radio terminalwhile the carrier aggregation is being performed; and radio link statusinformation indicating that the problem has been detected in the radiolink.

In a third aspect, a second radio station that serves a second cellincludes a communication control unit. The communication control unitsupports carrier aggregation of a first cell served by a first radiostation and the second cell. The communication control unit transmits,to the first radio station, information about a radio link problemoccurring in a radio link in the second cell between the second radiostation and a radio terminal while the carrier aggregation is beingperformed by the radio terminal.

In a fourth aspect, a radio terminal includes a communication controlunit that supports carrier aggregation using a first cell served by afirst radio station as a first cell and using a second cell served by asecond radio station as a second cell. The communication control unitperforms, with the first radio station, radio resource control for thefirst and second cells in order to perform the carrier aggregation.Further, the communication control unit transmits, to the first radiostation, at least one of: information about a radio link problemoccurring in a radio link in the second cell between the second radiostation and the radio terminal while the carrier aggregation is beingperformed; and radio link status information indicating that the problemhas been detected in the radio link.

In a fifth aspect, a communication control method, in a first radiostation that serves a first cell, includes:

-   -   (a) performing, with a radio terminal, radio resource control        for the first cell and a second cell served by a second radio        station in order to perform carrier aggregation of the first and        second cells; and    -   (b) receiving, from at least one of the second radio station and        the radio terminal, at least one of: information about a radio        link problem occurring in a radio link in the second cell        between the second radio station and the radio terminal while        the carrier aggregation is being performed; and radio link        status information indicating that the problem has been detected        in the radio link.

In a sixth aspect, a communication control method, in a second radiostation that serves a second cell, includes:

-   -   (a) communicating with a radio terminal in carrier aggregation        of a first cell served by a first radio station and the second        cell; and    -   (b) transmitting, to the first radio station, information about        a radio link problem occurring in a radio link in the second        cell between the second radio station and the radio terminal        while the carrier aggregation is being performed.

In a seventh aspect, a communication control method in a radio terminalincludes:

-   -   (a) performing, with a first radio station, radio resource        control for a first cell served by the first radio station and a        second cell served by a second radio station in order to perform        carrier aggregation of the first and second cells; and    -   (b) transmitting, to the first radio station, at least one of:        information about a radio link problem occurring in a radio link        in the second cell between the second radio station and the        radio terminal while the carrier aggregation is being performed;        and radio link status information indicating that the problem        has been detected in the radio link.

In an eighth aspect, a program includes instructions for causing acomputer to perform a communication control method according to theabove-described fifth aspect.

In a ninth aspect, a program includes instructions for causing acomputer to perform a communication control method according to theabove-described sixth aspect.

In a tenth aspect, a program includes instructions for causing acomputer to perform a communication control method according to theabove-described seventh aspect.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the above-described aspects, it is possible to provide aradio communication system, a radio station, a radio terminal, acommunication control method, and a program capable of contributing toreduction of packet losses caused by an occurrence of a radio linkproblem (e.g., an RLF) in a secondary cell during carrier aggregation ofa plurality of cells served by different radio stations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a radio communication systemaccording to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a first radio station accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a second radio station accordingto the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a radio terminal according tothe first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationcontrol method in a radio communication system according to the firstembodiment (Procedure Example 1);

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationcontrol method in a radio communication system according to the firstembodiment (Procedure Example 2);

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationcontrol method in a radio communication system according to a secondembodiment (Procedure Example 3);

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationcontrol method in a radio communication system according to a secondembodiment (Procedure Example 4);

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationcontrol method in a radio communication system according to the secondembodiment (Procedure Example 5); and

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a procedure for recovering a radiolink in carrier aggregation according to the LTE (related-art).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Specific embodiments are explained hereinafter in detail with referenceto the drawings. The same symbols are assigned to the same orcorresponding elements throughout the drawings, and duplicatedexplanations are omitted as necessary.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a radio communication systemaccording to this embodiment. The radio communication system accordingto this embodiment includes a first radio station 1, a second radiostation 2, and a radio terminal 3. The radio stations 1 and 2 areconnected to a core network 4 and serve first and second cells 10 and20, respectively. Each of the radio stations 1 and 2 is, for example, aradio base station, a base station control station, or a simplifiedradio base station having only some of the functions (protocol layers)of an ordinary radio base station. The radio terminal 3 has a functionof, while using a cell of one radio base station, using a cell ofanother radio station. In other words, the radio terminal 3 supports acarrier aggregation (or cell aggregation) of a plurality of cells servedby different radio stations. Note that the different radio stations maybe different base stations independent of each other, or may be oneradio station and another radio base station dependent on the one radiostation. Further, the different radio stations may be radio stations ofdifferent types having different functions.

For example, the radio terminal 3 can establish a second radioconnection on the second cell 20 while maintaining a first radioconnection on the first cell 10. The expression “establishment of aradio connection” corresponds to, for example, a state where the radioterminal 3 can communicate with a radio station (e.g., the radio station1 or 2), or a state where the radio terminal 3 and a radio station(e.g., the radio station 1 or 2) possess common information necessaryfor communication therebetween. In this way, the radio terminal 3 cansimultaneously use a plurality of cells (e.g., the cells 10 and 20) fortransmitting or receiving signals (e.g., user data or controlinformation). The expression “simultaneous use of a plurality of cells”is not limited to actual simultaneous reception or transmission ofsignals in a plurality of cells. That is, it includes: a state where theradio terminal actually receives or transmits signals in either one ofthe cells although the radio terminal is able to receive or transmitsignals in both of the cells; a state where the radio terminal receivesor transmits signals of different types in the respective cells; and astate where the radio terminal uses each of the plurality of cells foreither signal reception or signal transmission.

In view of the carrier aggregation of a plurality of cells served bydifferent radio stations, the function of using a plurality of cellsserved by different radio stations can be called “inter-radio stationcarrier aggregation”. Further, in view of the above-describedsimultaneous use of a plurality of cells, the function of using aplurality of cells served by different radio stations can also be called“Dual Connection”, “Dual Connectivity”, “Multi Connection”, “MultiConnectivity”, or the like.

The radio terminal 3 may transmit to the radio station 1 or the radiostation 2 a terminal capability report indicating that the radioterminal 3 is capable of performing inter-radio station carrieraggregation (i.e., supports inter-radio station carrier aggregation).Alternatively, the radio terminal 3 may implicitly indicate that theradio terminal 3 supports inter-radio station carrier aggregation by thecategory of the radio terminal 3 or its device release number. Thecapability of performing inter-radio station carrier aggregation canalso be called “dual-connection capability” or “multi-connectioncapability”.

FIG. 1 shows a Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) environment. Specifically,the first cell 10 shown in FIG. 1 has coverage wider than that of thesecond cell 20. Further, FIG. 1 shows a hierarchical cell structure inwhich the second cell 20 is disposed inside the first cell 10. Note thatthe cell structure shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. For example,the first and second cells 10 and 20 may have the same degree ofcoverage. In other words, the radio communication system according tothis embodiment may be applied to a Homogeneous Network environment.

Next, an operation of the radio communication system according to thisembodiment is explained in a more detailed manner. In a radiocommunication system according to this embodiment, the first radiostation 1 has control and management functions (e.g., an RRC layer) forthe first and second cells 10 and 20 for performing inter-radio stationcarrier aggregation of the first and second cells 10 and 20.Specifically, the first radio station 1 performs, with the radioterminal 3, radio resource control for the cells 10 and 20 in order toperform carrier aggregation of the cells 10 and 20. The first radiostation 1 may transmit a configuration related to the radio resourcecontrol to the radio terminal 3 in the first cell 10, or may transmitthe configuration to the radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20 throughthe second radio station 2. In the latter case, although the first radiostation 1 transmits to the second radio station 2 a message containingthe configuration related to the radio resource control for the secondcell 20, the second radio station 2 does not necessarily have torecognize the contents of that message. Alternatively, the second radiostation 2 may recognize the contents of the message. When the secondradio station 2 transmits the configuration related to the radioresource control in the second cell 20, the second radio station 2 maytransmit the configuration in a manner similar to that for transmittingother downlink data.

At least one of the second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3transmits, to the first radio station 1, information about a radio linkproblem occurring in a radio link between the second radio station 2 andthe radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20 (Radio link (RL) problemrelated information). In an example, the radio link problem in thesecond cell 20 triggers the first radio station 1 to perform control tocope with this radio link problem. The control performed by the firstradio station 1 includes, for example, at least one of control torecover the radio link of the radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20,control to release the radio link of the radio terminal 3 in the secondcell 20, and control to establish a radio link of the radio terminal 3in a cell different from the second cell 20 (e.g., the first cell 10 ora third cell). For example, based on the information about the radiolink problem in the second cell 20, the first radio station 1 maytransmit, to either or both of the second radio station 2 and the radioterminal 3, an instruction for recovering the radio link in the secondcell 20, an instruction for establishing a radio link in a differentcell (e.g., the first cell 10 or a third cell) instead of the secondcell 20, an instruction for releasing the radio link in the second cell20, or the like.

The radio link problem in the second cell 20 includes, for example, atleast one of radio link disconnection or call disconnection (both arecalled “Radio Link Failure (RLF)”) and a loss of synchronization. Theradio link problem in the second cell 20 is not limited to seriousproblems in which the radio terminal 3 cannot perform communication inthe second cell 20. The radio link problem may be degradation ofreceived quality or throughput of the radio link, or may be anoccurrence of a threshold crossing alert indicating that the receivedquality of the radio link is lower than a predetermined quality or thethroughput is lower than a predetermined value. The radio link receivedquality may be, for example, reception power or a Signal to Interferenceplus Noise Ratio (SINR).

When the second radio station 2 or the radio terminal 3 detects a radiolink problem in the second cell 20, it may transmit the informationabout the radio link problem (RL problem related information) to thefirst radio station 1. Further, when a problem such as theabove-described radio link problem is likely to occur or when a problemhad occurred but has been recovered, the second radio station 2 or theradio terminal 3 may transmit information about the radio link problemto the first radio station 1. In other words, the information about aradio link problem in the second cell 20 may indicate that a radio linkproblem is likely to occur or that a radio link problem had occurred buthas been recovered. Whether a radio link problem is likely to occur ornot may be determined, for example, based on whether or not moving speedof the radio terminal 3 or a parameter related to the moving speed isequal to or exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., based on whether or notthe radio terminal 3 is moving at high speed).

The radio terminal 3 may voluntarily transmit information about a radiolink problem occurring in the second cell 20, or may transmit it inresponse to a request from the first radio station 1. For example, upondetecting a radio link problem in the second cell 20, the radio terminal3 may voluntarily report the information about the radio link problem tothe first radio station 1 through the first cell 10. Alternatively, thefirst radio station 1 may request information about a radio link problemin the second cell 20 from the radio terminal 3, and the radio terminal3 may transmit the information in response to the request.

Similarly, the second radio station 2 may voluntarily transmitinformation about a radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20,or may transmit it in response to a request from the first radio station1. In an example, upon detecting a radio link problem in a radio linkwith the radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20, the second radiostation 2 may voluntarily transmit information about the radio linkproblem to the first radio station 1. In another example, firstly, theradio terminal 3 may detect a radio link problem in the second cell 20.Next, the radio terminal 3 may report the radio link problem, which hasoccurred in the second cell 20, to the first radio station 1 through thefirst cell 10. Then, the first radio station 1 may request the secondradio station 2 to transmit information about the radio link problem.Lastly, the second radio station 2 may transmit to the first radiostation 1 the information about the radio link problem between thesecond radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20.Further, in still another example, firstly, the first radio station 1may detect (or somehow recognize) a radio link problem between the radioterminal 3 and the second radio station 2 in the second cell 20. Next,the first radio station 1 may request the second radio station 2 totransmit information about the radio link problem and then the secondradio station 2 may transmit the information to the first radio station1.

The information about a radio link problem (RL problem relatedinformation) may include, for example, at least one of the below-listedinformation elements:

-   -   Trigger information;    -   A terminal identifier;    -   A cell identifier;    -   A bearer identifier;    -   A data transmission/reception status;    -   Radio quality measurement information;    -   Terminal moving speed information; and    -   Terminal location information.

A message that is transmitted from the radio terminal 3 to the firstradio station 1 through the first cell 10 in order to report a radiolink problem detected in the second cell 20 includes the aforementionedinformation about the radio link problem. Further, this message mayinclude a request or proposal for a release of the second cell 20, ormay include a request or proposal for establishment of a radioconnection in a third cell different from both the first and secondcells 10 and 20.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first radio station 1performs, with the radio terminal 3, radio link control for the cells 10and 20 in order to perform inter-radio station carrier aggregation ofthe cells 10 and 20. Further, at least one of the second radio station 2and the radio terminal 3 transmits, to the first radio station 1,information about a radio link problem occurring in a radio link in thesecond cell 20 between the second radio station 2 and the radio terminal3 (RL problem related information). As a result, the first radio station1 can recognize the radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20.Accordingly, for example, the first radio station 1 can perform controlto cope with the radio link problem in the second cell 20. Thus, thisembodiment can reduce packet losses caused by an occurrence of a radiolink problem in the second cell 20 during the carrier aggregation of thecells 10 and 20 served by the different radio stations 1 and 2.

Next, configuration examples of the radio stations 1 and 2 and the radioterminal 3 according to this embodiment are explained. FIG. 2 is a blockdiagram showing a configuration example of the first radio station 1. Aradio communication unit 11 receives an uplink signal transmitted fromthe radio terminal 3 thorough an antenna. A reception data processingunit 13 restores the received uplink signal. The obtained reception datais forwarded to another network node such as a data transfer device or amobility management device in the core network 4, or to other radiostations through a communication unit 14. For example, uplink user datareceived from the radio terminal 3 is forwarded to a data transferdevice in a higher-layer network. Further, non-access stratum (NAS)control data among control data received from the radio terminal 3 isforwarded to a mobility management device in a higher-layer network.Further, the reception data processing unit 13 receives, from acommunication control unit 15, control data to be transmitted to theradio station 2, and transmits this control data to the radio station 2through the communication unit 14.

A transmission data processing unit 12 acquires user data destined forthe radio terminal 3 from the communication unit 14 and generates atransport channel by performing error correction encoding, ratematching, interleaving, and the like. Further, the transmission dataprocessing unit 12 generates a transmission symbol sequence by addingcontrol information to the data sequence of the transport channel. Theradio communication unit 11 generates a downlink signal by performingcarrier modulation based on the transmission symbol sequence, frequencyconversion, signal amplification, and the like, and transmits thegenerated downlink signal to the radio terminal 3. Further, thetransmission data processing unit 12 receives control data to betransmitted to the radio terminal 3 from the communication control unit15 and transmits this control data to the radio terminal 3 through theradio communication unit 11.

The communication control unit 15 controls inter-radio station carrieraggregation of the first and second cells 10 and 20. Specifically, thecommunication control unit 15 performs, with the radio terminal 3 in thefirst cell 10, radio resource control for the cells 10 and 20 in orderto perform carrier aggregation of the cells 10 and 20. Further, thecommunication control unit 15 receives, from at least one of the secondradio station 2 and the radio terminal 3, information about a radio linkproblem between the second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3 inthe second cell 20. Based on the received information about the radiolink problem, the communication control unit 15 may perform control tocope with this problem such as control to recover the radio link of theradio terminal 3 in the second cell 20, control to release the radiolink of the radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20, or control toestablish a radio link of the radio terminal 3 in a cell different fromthe second cell 20.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the secondradio station 2. The functions and the operations of a radiocommunication unit 21, a transmission data processing unit 22, areception data processing unit 23, and a communication unit 24 shown inFIG. 3 are similar to those of their corresponding elements shown inFIG. 2 , i.e., those of the radio communication unit 11, thetransmission data processing unit 12, the reception data processing unit13, and the communication unit 14.

A communication control unit 25, in the radio station 2, controlsinter-radio station carrier aggregation of the first and second cells 10and 20. Further, the communication control unit 25 may transmit, to thefirst radio station 1, information about a radio link problem betweenthe second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3 in the second cell20.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the radioterminal 3. A radio communication unit 31 supports carrier aggregationof a plurality of cells served by different radio stations, and is ableto simultaneously use the plurality of cells (e.g., the cells 10 and 20)for transmitting or receiving signals. Specifically, the radiocommunication unit 31 receives a downlink signal from one or both of theradio stations 1 and 2 through an antenna. A reception data processingunit 32 restores reception data from the received downlink signal andsends the restored reception data to a data control unit 33. The datacontrol unit 33 uses the reception data according to its purpose.Further, a transmission data processing unit 34 and a radiocommunication unit 31 generate an uplink signal by using transmissiondata supplied from the data control unit 33 and transmit the generateduplink signal to one or both of the radio stations 1 and 2.

A communication control unit 35, in the radio terminal 3, controlsinter-radio station carrier aggregation of the first and second cells 10and 20. Further, the communication control unit 35 may transmit, to thefirst radio station 1, information about a radio link problem betweenthe second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3 in the second cell20.

Next, Procedure Examples 1 and 2 of a communication control method in aradio communication system according to this embodiment are explainedhereinafter.

Procedure Example 1

In Procedure Example 1, the radio terminal 3 transmits information abouta radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20 to the first radiostation 1. FIG. 5 shows an example of a sequence diagram showing acommunication control method according to the Procedure Example 1. Insteps S101 and S102, the radio terminal 3 performs carrier aggregationof the first and second cells 10 and 20. That is, in the steps S101 andS102, the first radio station 1 transmits and/or receives data orcontrol information to and/or from the radio terminal 3 in the firstcell 10 and the second radio station 2 transmits and/or receives data toand/or from the radio terminal 3 in the second cell 20.

In a step S103, the radio terminal 3 detects a radio link problemoccurring in a radio link between the second radio station 2 and theradio terminal 3 in the second cell 20. Note that as describedpreviously, the radio terminal 3 may detect that a problem is likely tooccur in the radio link in the second cell 20, or detect that a radiolink problem had occurred but has been recovered. In a step S104, theradio terminal 3 transmits, to the first radio station 1 through thefirst cell 10, information about the radio link problem in the secondcell 20.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 5 , the first radio station 1can recognize the radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20 andcan reduce (or prevent) packet losses and the like by appropriatelycoping with the problem. Though it is not clearly shown in FIG. 5 , forexample, the first radio station 1 may transmit, to either or both ofthe second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3, an instruction forrecovering the radio link in the second cell 20, an instruction forestablishing a radio link in a different cell (e.g., the first cell 10or a third cell) instead of the second cell 20, or an instruction forreleasing the radio link in the second cell 20.

Modification of Procedure Example 1

The procedure shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example of a case whereinformation about a radio link problem in the second cell 20 istransmitted from the radio terminal 3 to the first radio station 1. TheProcedure Example 1 may be modified as follows.

Firstly, the first radio station 1 requests the radio terminal 3 toreport information about a radio link problem occurring in the secondcell 20. Then, the radio terminal 3 transmits the information about theradio link problem occurring in the second cell 20, in response to therequest from the first radio station 1. The information about a radiolink problem is not limited to information about a problem in the secondcell 20, but may include information about a radio link problem in thefirst cell 10 or other cells used by the radio terminal 3. When no radiolink problem occurs in the second cell 20 or no problem is detected, theradio terminal 3 may transmit information indicating that there is noproblem (or no problem is detected), in response to the request from thefirst radio station 1.

The first radio station 1 may transmit to the radio terminal 3 acondition(s) for determining whether or not there is a radio linkproblem. The radio terminal 3 may determine whether or not there is aradio link problem based on this condition(s).

Procedure Example 2

In Procedure Example 1, the second radio station 2 transmits informationabout a radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20 to the firstradio station 1. FIG. 6 shows an example of a sequence diagram showing acommunication control method according to the Procedure Example 2.Processes in steps S201 and S202 are similar to those in the steps S101and S102 in FIG. 5 , which are explained above in the ProcedureExample 1. In a step S203, the second radio station 2 detects a radiolink problem occurring in a radio link in the second cell 20 between thesecond radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3. The second radiostation 2 may detect that a problem is likely to occur in the radio linkbetween the second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3, or detectthat a radio link problem had occurred but has been recovered. In a stepS204, the second radio station 2 transmits information about the radiolink problem in the second cell 20 to the first radio station 1.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 6 , the first radio station 1can recognize the radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20 andcan reduce (or prevent) packet losses and the like by appropriatelycoping with the problem. Though it is not clearly shown in FIG. 6 , forexample, the first radio station 1 may transmit, to either or both ofthe second radio station 2 and the radio terminal 3, an instruction forrecovering the radio link in the second cell 20, an instruction forestablishing a radio link in a different cell (e.g., the first cell 10or a third cell) as a substitute for the second cell 20, or aninstruction for releasing the radio link in the second cell 20.

Modification 1 of Procedure Example 2

The procedure shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example of a case whereinformation about a radio link problem in the second cell 20 istransmitted from the second radio station 2 to the first radio station1. The Procedure Example 2 may be modified as follows. Firstly, thefirst radio station 1 requests the second radio station 2 to reportinformation about a radio link problem occurring in the second cell 20.Then, the second radio station 2 transmits the information about a radiolink problem occurring in the second cell 20, in response to the requestfrom the first radio station 1. The information about a radio linkproblem is not limited to information about a problem in the second cell20, but may include information about a problem in another cell that isserved by the second radio station 2 and used by the radio terminal 3.When no radio link problem occurs in the second cell 20 or no problem isdetected, the second radio station 2 may transmit information indicatingthat there is no problem (or no problem is detected), in response to therequest from the first radio station 1.

The first radio station 1 may transmit to the second radio station 2 acondition(s) for determining whether or not there is a radio linkproblem. The second radio station 2 may determine whether or not thereis a radio link problem based on this condition(s).

Modification 2 of Procedure Example 2

The Procedure Example 2 may be modified as follows. Firstly, the radioterminal 3 detects a radio link problem in the second cell 20 andreports, to the first radio station 1, radio link status informationindicating that the radio terminal 3 has detected the radio linkproblem. Next, the first radio station 1 requests the second radiostation 2 to transmit information about the radio link problem in thesecond cell 20 regarding the radio terminal 3, from which the radio linkstatus information has been originated. Then, the second radio station 2transmits the information about the radio link problem to the firstradio station 1 in response to the request from the first radio station1. The radio link status information transmitted from the radio terminal3 to the first radio station 1 may include, for example, a cellidentifier (Cell ID) of the cell where the problem has been detected andthe type of the problem (i.e., information indicating what kind ofproblem has occurred).

Second Embodiment

In this embodiment, an example where the above-described firstembodiment is applied to a 3GPP LTE system is explained. A configurationexample of a radio communication system according to this embodiment maybe similar to that shown in FIG. 1 . Note that the radio stations 1 and2 correspond to eNBs, the radio terminal 3 corresponds to an UE, and thecore network 4 corresponds to an EPC (Evolved Packet Core). Transmissionand reception of information between radio stations (i.e., between eNBs)may use an X2 interface, which is a direct interface, may use an S1interface through the EPC, or may use a newly-defined interface (e.g.,an X3 interface). The following explanation is given on the assumptionthat: the radio stations 1 and 2 are eNBs 1 and 2; the radio terminal 3is an UE 3; and the core network 4 is an EPC 4.

The radio terminal (UE) 3 can establish a second radio connection in thesecond cell 20 (Cell 20) while maintaining a first radio connection inthe first cell 10 (Cell 10). The expression “establishment of a radioconnection” corresponds to, for example, a state where the UE 3 cancommunicate with an eNB (e.g., the eNB 1 or 2) (e.g., a state where RRCConnection Setup has already been completed), or a state where the UE 3and an eNB (e.g., the eNB 1 or 2) possess common information (e.g., UEcontext) necessary for communication therebetween. More specifically,the UE 3 supports carrier aggregation of a plurality of cells served bydifferent radio stations (eNBs) (called “Inter-eNB CA” or “Inter-SiteCA”). Note that the term “Inter-eNB CA” in this specification is notlimited to actual simultaneous reception or transmission of signals indifferent eNB cells. For example the “Inter-eNB CA” includes: a statewhere the radio terminal (UE) actually receives or transmits signals(e.g., user data or control information) in either one of the eNB cellsalthough the UE 3 is able to receive or transmit signals in both of thedifferent eNB cells; a state where the radio terminal receives ortransmits signals of different types in the respective cells ofdifferent eNBs; and a state where the radio terminal uses each of thecells of different eNBs for either signal reception or signaltransmission.

As an example to which this embodiment is applied, it is conceivablethat the UE 3 performs inter-radio base station carrier aggregation(Inter-eNB CA) in which the UE 3 uses the Cell 20 of the eNB 2 as asecondary cell (SCell) while the UE 3 is already using the Cell 10 ofthe eNB 1 as a primary cell (PCell). The primary cell (PCell) is a cellthat has already been used since before the CA is started. In contrastto this, the second cell (SCell) is a cell that is used (activated) inaddition to the PCell or in dependence thereon on the precondition thatthe UE 3 is already connected to the primary cell. Non-Access Stratum(NAS) mobility information, security information (or security input),and the like are transmitted and received through the PCell when a radioconnection is established (i.e., at the time of RRC ConnectionEstablishment) or reestablished (i.e., at the time of RRC ConnectionRe-establishment). A DL Component Carrier used for the PCell is a DLPCC, and an UL Component Carrier used for the PCell is an UL PCC.Similarly, a DL Component Carrier used for the SCell is a DL SCC, and anUL Component Carrier used for the SCell is an UL SCC.

The radio terminal (UE) 3 establishes a radio connection (RRCConnection) with the first radio base station (eNB) 1 in the first cell10 (Cell 10, e.g., PCell), and establishes a radio connection with thesecond radio base station (eNB) 2 in the second cell 20 (Cell 20, e.g.,SCell). The eNB 1 has control and management functions (e.g., an RRClayer) in the Cell 10 and the Cell 20. Specifically, the eNB 1 preforms,with the UE 3, radio resource control for the Cell 10 and the Cell 20 inorder to perform carrier aggregation of the Cell 10 and the Cell 20. TheeNB 1 may transmit a configuration related to the radio resource control(e.g., Radio Resource Configuration) to the UE 3 in the Cell 10, or maytransmit the configuration to the UE 3 through the Cell 20 via the eNB2. In the latter case, although the eNB 1 transmits a message includingthe configuration, which is related to the radio resource control forthe Cell 20, to the eNB 2 through an X2 interface or an S1 interface (ora new interface), the eNB 2 does not necessarily have to recognize thecontents of that message. Alternatively, the eNB 2 may recognize thecontents of the message. When the eNB 2 transmits the configurationrelated to the radio resource control in the Cell 20, the eNB 2 maytransmit the configuration on a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) in a mannersimilar to that for transmitting other data.

At least one of the eNB 2 and the UE 3 transmits, to the eNB 1,information about a radio link problem occurring in a radio link betweenthe eNB 2 and the UE 3 in the Cell 20 (RL problem related information).In an example, the radio link problem in the Cell 20 triggers the eNB 1to perform control to cope with this radio link problem. The controlperformed by the eNB 1 includes, for example, at least one of control torecover the radio link of the UE 3 in the Cell 20 (Radio Link Recovery),control to release the radio link of the UE 3 in the Cell 20 (Radio LinkRelease, RRC Connection Release), and control to establish a radio linkof the UE 3 in a cell different from the Cell 20 (e.g., the Cell 10 or athird cell) (RRC Connection Setup). For example, based on theinformation about the radio link problem in the Cell 20, the eNB 1 maytransmit, to either or both of the eNB 2 and the UE 3, an instructionfor recovering the radio link in the Cell 20, an instruction forestablishing a radio link in a different cell (e.g., the Cell 10 or athird cell) instead of the Cell 20, an instruction for releasing theradio link in the Cell 20, or the like.

The radio link problem in the Cell 20 includes, for example, at leastone of radio link disconnection or call disconnection (both are called“Radio Link Failure (RLF)”) and a loss of synchronization. The radiolink problem in the Cell 20 is not limited to serious problems in whichthe UE 3 cannot perform communication in the Cell 20. The radio linkproblem may be degradation of received quality or throughput of theradio link, or may be an occurrence of a threshold crossing alertindicating that the received quality of the radio link is lower than apredetermined quality or the throughput is lower than a predeterminedvalue. The radio link received quality may be, for example, ReferenceSignal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ),or Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

When the eNB 2 or the UE 3 detects a radio link problem in the Cell 20,it may transmit information about the radio link problem (RL problemrelated information) to the eNB 1. Further, when a problem such as theabove-described radio link problem is likely to occur or when a radiolink problem had occurred but has been recovered, the eNB 2 or the UE 3may transmit information about the radio link problem to the eNB 1. Inother words, the information about a radio link problem in the Cell 20may indicate that a radio link problem is likely to occur or that aradio link problem had occurred but has been recovered. Whether a radiolink problem is likely to occur or not may be determined, for example,based on whether or not moving speed of the UE 3 or a parameter reratedto the moving speed (e.g., Mobility State) is equal to or exceeds apredetermined value (e.g., based on whether or not the mobile terminalis moving at high speed).

The UE 3 may voluntarily transmit information about a radio link problemoccurring in the Cell 20, or may transmit it in response to a requestfrom the eNB 1. For example, upon detecting a radio link problem in theCell 20, the UE 3 may voluntarily report the information about the radiolink problem to the eNB 1 through the Cell 10. Alternatively, the eNB 1may request information about a radio link problem in the Cell 20 fromthe UE 3, and the UE 3 may transmit the information in response to therequest.

Similarly, the eNB 2 may voluntarily transmit information about a radiolink problem occurring in the Cell 20, or may transmit it in response toa request from the eNB 1. In an example, upon detecting a radio linkproblem in a radio link with the UE 3 in the Cell 20, the eNB 2 mayvoluntarily transmit information about the radio link problem to the eNB1. In another example, firstly, the UE 3 may detect a radio link problemin the Cell 20. Next, the UE 3 may report the radio link problem, whichhas occurred in the Cell 20, to the eNB 1 through the Cell 10. Then, theeNB 1 may request the eNB 2 to transmit information about the radio linkproblem. Lastly, the eNB 2 may transmit, to the eNB 1, the informationabout the radio link problem in the radio link with the UE 3 in the Cell20. Further, in still another example, firstly, the eNB 1 may detect (orsomehow recognize) a radio link problem in a radio link between the UE 3and the eNB 2 in the Cell 20. Next, the eNB 1 may request the eNB 2 totransmit information about the radio link problem and then the eNB 2 maytransmit the information to the eNB 1.

The information about a radio link problem (RL problem relatedinformation) may include, for example, at least one of the below-listedinformation elements:

-   -   Trigger information (Trigger information);    -   A terminal identifier (UE identity);    -   A cell identifier (Cell identity);    -   A bearer identifier (bearer identity);    -   A data transmission/reception status (data status);    -   Radio quality measurement information (measurement information);    -   Terminal moving speed information (UE speed information); and    -   Terminal location information (UE location information).

The trigger information may be a cause of the transmission ofinformation about a radio link problem, or, for example, informationindicating that an RL problem has been detected in the SCell (SCell RLproblem) or indicating which type of the above-described radio linkproblems has occurred. Alternatively, the trigger information may beinformation indicating purpose (or intention) of transmittinginformation about a radio link problem, or, for example, informationindicating what is expected by transmitting the information. Forexample, the trigger information may indicate a recovery of the radiolink, a release of the radio link, establishment of a new radio link, orthe like.

The terminal identifier may be a temporary terminal identifier in thecell to which the information about the radio link problem is related,or a terminal unique identifier. The temporary terminal identifier is,for example, a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), aTemporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI), or a Short MessageAuthentication Code Identity (Short MAC-I). The terminal uniqueidentifier is, for example, an International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI).

The cell identifier is, for example, a physical cell identifier(Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)), a logical cell identifier (E-UTRANCell Global Identifier (ECGI)), an enhanced cell identifier (EnhancedCell ID (E-CID)), or a virtual cell identifier (Virtual Cell ID(V-CID)).

The bearer identifier may be an identifier of a radio bearer in the cellto which the information about the radio link problem is related, or anidentifier of a network bearer. The radio bearer identifier is, forexample, a Data Radio Bearer Identity (DRB-Identity). The network beareridentifier is, for example, an eps-BearerIdentity or an EPS Radio AccessBearer Identity (E-RAB ID).

The data transmission/reception status may be a status related to datatransmission or data reception in the cell to which the informationabout the radio link problem is related (e.g., a Sequence Number (SN)Status or a Radio Link Control (RLC) Status), or may be informationindicating whether or not there is data of which transmission orreception has not yet been completed (e.g., a data flag).

The radio quality measurement information may be terminal measurementresults of the cell to which the information about the radio linkproblem is related, or a cell(s) adjacent thereto. The radio qualitymeasurement information may be information indicating whether or not apredetermined radio quality is satisfied.

The terminal moving speed information may indicate the moving speed ofthe radio terminal (UE speed). Alternatively, the terminal moving speedinformation may be information indicating a level of the moving speed ofthe radio terminal (e.g., High speed, Medium speed, Low speed, or Normalspeed; or the Mobility State is High, Medium, or Normal), or may beinformation indicating whether or not the moving speed of the radioterminal satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., informationindicating whether or not the radio terminal is a high-speed mobileterminal).

The terminal location information may be location information of theradio terminal (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) locationinformation or positioning information), or may be informationindicating a rough location of the radio terminal (e.g., an RFfingerprint which is a combination of a radio quality and a cell ID).Alternatively, the terminal location information may be informationindicating whether the radio terminal is located outdoors or indoors.

A message that is transmitted from the UE 3 to the eNB 1 through theCell 10 in order to report a radio link problem, which had occurred inthe Cell 20, includes aforementioned information about the radio linkproblem. Further, this message may include a request or proposal for arelease of the Cell 20 (SCell release request, or SCell(re)configuration request-release), or may include a request or proposalfor establishment of a radio connection in a third cell different fromboth the Cell 10 and the Cell 20 (SCell (re)configuration request-Cell3addition).

Next, Procedure Examples 3 to 6 of a communication control methodperformed in a radio communication system according to this embodimentare explained hereinafter. Note that, it is assumed that the UE 3performs inter-radio base station carrier aggregation (Inter-eNB CA) inwhich the UE 3 uses the Cell 20 of the eNB 2 as the SCell while the UE3is already using the Cell 10 of the eNB 1 as the PCell. The timer thatthe UE 3 uses to determine an occurrence of an RLF in the Cell 20 (i.e.,the SCell) may be the same timer as a timer T310 used for the Cell 10(i.e., the PCell), or a different timer T3XY (e.g., T312) may bedefined. Further, the value of the timer T3XY may be the same as ordifferent from that of the timer T310. The received quality threshold(s)(Qin and Qout) used for determining an occurrence of an RLF may be thesame as a threshold(s) for the PCell, or may be different from thethreshold(s) for the PCell (e.g., Qin-SCell and Qout-SCell; or Qin2 andQout2).

Procedure Example 3

Procedure Example 3 corresponds to the Procedure Example 1 explained inthe first embodiment. That is, the UE 3 transmits information about aradio link problem occurring in the Cell 20 (i.e., the SCell) to the eNB1. FIG. 7 shows an example of a sequence diagram showing the ProcedureExample 3. Note that in FIG. 7 , the Cell 10 (i.e., the PCell) and theCell 20 (i.e., the SCell) are expressed as “CELL1” and “CELL2”,respectively. Further, one UE 3 is expressed as “UE 1”.

In steps S301 and S202, the UE 3 performs carrier aggregation of theCELL1 and the CELL2. Specifically, in the step S301, the eNB 1 transmitsdownlink control signals (DL signaling) or downlink data (DL data), orboth of them to the UE 1 in the CELL1 In the step S302, the eNB 2transmits downlink data (DL data) to the UE 3 in the CELL2.

In steps S303 and S304, the UE 3 detects a radio link problem in theCELL2 (Radio link problem detection). In a step S305, the UE 3 transmitsinformation about the radio link problem to the eNB 1 through the CELL1(Radio link problem report (including Radio link problem relatedinformation of CELL2)).

In steps S306 to S309, the eNB 1 performs a process to cope with thisproblem upon receiving the information about the radio link problemoccurring in the CELL2. That is, in a step S306, the eNB 1 instructs theeNB 2 to release a bearer that has been configured for the UE 3 (UE 1 inFIG. 7 ), which has detected the radio link problem in the CELL2 (CELL2reconfiguration indication (including request of UE1's bearer release)).In a step S307, the eNB 2 releases the bearer for the UE 3 and reportsthe completion of the bearer release to the eNB 1 (CELL2 reconfigurationresponse (including completion of UE1's bearer release)). In a stepS308, the eNB 1 instructs the UE 3 to release the CELL2 (i.e., thebearer of the CELL2) and to reconfigure the radio resource configurationof the CELL1 (RRC Connection Reconfiguration (including CELL2 releaseand CELL1 reconfiguration)).

In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the UE 3 continues (i.e., takes over)the DL data reception performed in the CELL2 by performing it in theCELL1 In this case, the instruction to reconfigure the radio resourceconfiguration of the CELL1 includes information necessary to indicate,for example, that the bearer configured in the CELL2 (i.e., used in theCELL2) should be reconfigured as a bearer in the CELL1, or that the datacommunication performed in the CELL2 (DL data reception in FIG. 7 )should be taken over by performing it in the CELL1 As a result, in astep S309, the eNB 1 transmits to the UE 3 the DL signaling and the DLdata in the CELL1.

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 7 , the eNB 1 can recognize theradio link problem occurring in the Cell 20 and can reduce (or prevent)packet losses and the like by appropriately coping with the problem.

Modification of Procedure Example 3

The procedure shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example of a case whereinformation about a radio link problem in the Cell 20 is transmittedfrom the UE 3 to the eNB 1. The Procedure Example 3 may be modified asfollows.

When the eNB 1 instructs the eNB 2 to release the bearer of the UE 3,the eNB 1 may request the data communication status (e.g., an SN status)of the UE 3 in the Cell 20 from the eNB 2 and the eNB 2 may report thedata communication status to the eNB 1.

Though it is not shown in FIG. 7 , when the eNB 1 takes over the bearerconfiguration of the Cell 20 configured in the eNB 2 and uses it for theCell 10, it is also necessary to reconfigure the core network (EPC) 4.For example, the eNB 1 requests a Mobility Management Entity (MME)disposed in the EPC 4 to configure (or reconfigure) the bearer for theUE 3, and then the MME sends a bearer setup instruction to the eNB 1.Further, the MME instructs an S-GW to change the User Plane (Data) path(Path switch request) and the S-GW changes the path (Path switch).

Although FIG. 7 shows a case where a problem in downlink datatransmission in the Cell 20 is coped with, a problem in uplink data (ULdata) transmission in the Cell 20 may be coped with in a similar manner.

FIG. 7 shows an example where the eNB 1 controls establishment of aradio link for the UE 3 in the Cell 10 in order to cope with a radiolink problem in the Cell 20. However, the eNB 1 may transmit, to the UE3 through the Cell 10, an instruction for recovering the radio link inthe Cell 20 or an instruction for establishing a radio link in a celldifferent from both the Cell 10 and the Cell 20 (e.g., a third cell(CELL3)).

The UE 3 may transmit to the eNB 1 a request to configure (i.e., adding)a cell, instead of the Cell 20, as a secondary cell (SCell), or arequest to remove the Cell 20 from the SCell(s).

Procedure Example 4

Procedure Example 4 corresponds to the Procedure Example 2 explained inthe first embodiment. That is, eNB 2 transmits information about a radiolink problem occurring in the Cell 20 to the eNB 1. FIG. 8 shows anexample of a sequence diagram showing a communication control methodaccording to the Procedure Example 4. Note that in FIG. 8 , the Cell 10(i.e., the PCell) and the Cell 20 (i.e., the SCell) are expressed as“CELL1” and “CELL2”, respectively. Further, one UE 3 is expressed as “UE1”.

Processes in steps S401 and S402 are similar to those in the steps S301and S302 in FIG. 7 , which are explained above in the Procedure Example3. In steps S403 and S404, the eNB 2 detects that there is a radio linkproblem between the eNB 2 and the UE 3 (UE 1 in FIG. 8 ) in the CELL2(Radio link problem detection for UE1). In a step S405, the eNB 2transmits information about the radio link problem to the eNB 1 (Radiolink problem report (including Radio link problem related information ofUE1 at CELL2)).

In steps S406 to S409, the eNB 1 performs a process to cope with theproblem upon receiving the information about the radio link problemoccurring in the CELL2. Processes in steps S406 to S409 are similar tothose in the steps S306 to S309 in FIG. 7 .

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 8 , the eNB 1 can recognize theradio link problem occurring in the Cell 20 and can reduce (or prevent)packet losses and the like by appropriately coping with the problem.

Modification of Procedure Example 4

The procedure shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example of a case whereinformation about a radio link problem in the Cell 20 is transmittedfrom the eNB 2 to the eNB 1. The Procedure Example 4 may be modified asfollows.

When the eNB 2 detects that there is a radio link problem in the radiolink between the eNB 2 and the UE 3 in the Cell 20, the eNB 2 mayfirstly transmit a message for reporting the detection and then transmitfollow-up message containing detailed information about the radio linkproblem. The follow-up message may be transmitted by the eNB 2, forexample, as a response message to a request from the eNB 1.

Though it is not shown in FIG. 8 , when the eNB 1 takes over the bearerconfiguration of the Cell 20 configured in the eNB 2 and uses it for theCell 10, it is also necessary to reconfigure the core network (EPC) 4.The reconfiguration in the core network may be performed in accordancewith the procedure shown in the Procedure Example 3.

Although FIG. 8 shows a case where a problem in downlink datatransmission in the Cell 20 is coped with, a problem in uplink data (ULdata) transmission in the Cell 20 may be coped with in a similar manner.

FIG. 8 shows an example where the eNB 1 controls establishment of aradio link for the UE 3 in the Cell 10 in order to cope with a radiolink problem in the Cell 20. However, the eNB 1 may transmit, to the UE3 through the Cell 10, an instruction for recovering the radio link inthe Cell 20 or an instruction for establishing a radio link in a celldifferent from both the Cell 10 and the Cell 20 (e.g., a third cell(CELL3)).

Procedure Example 5

Procedure Example 5 corresponds to a modification of Procedure Example 2explained in the first embodiment. In the Procedure Example 5, the UE 3reports the detection of a radio link problem occurring in the Cell 20to the eNB 1 as radio link status information, the eNB 1 requestsinformation about the radio link problem from the eNB 2, and then theeNB 2 transmits the information about the radio link problem in responseto the request.

The radio link status information may include, for example, a Radio LinkFailure (RLF) report. Note that although the RLF report in the LTE isinformation about an RLF in the PCell, it is assumed here that the RLFreport is extended to information about an RLF in the SCell. That is,the RLF report may include any of the below-listed items:

-   -   An identifier of an SCell where an RLF has been detected        (failedSCellId);    -   A terminal measurement result of an SCell where an RLF has been        detected (measurementResultLastServSCell);    -   A terminal measurement result at the time of detection of an RLF        in an SCell (measResultNeighCells);    -   Location information of a radio terminal at the time of        detection of an RLF in an SCell (locationInfo);    -   A cause of detection of an RLF in an SCell (rlf-Cause-SCell);        and    -   An elapsed time after an RLF is detected in an SCell        (timeSinceFailure-SCell).

Note that, in order to indicate a cause of detection of an RLF in anSCell, t3XY-Expiry (e.g., t312-Expiry) may be newly added to the causesof detection of an RLF in a PCell (i.e., the specification of thecurrent LTE).

FIG. 9 shows an example of a sequence diagram showing a communicationcontrol method according to the Procedure Example 5. Note that in FIG. 9, the Cell 10 (i.e., the PCell) and the Cell 20 (i.e., the SCell) areexpressed as “CELL1” and “CELL2”, respectively. Further, one UE 3 isexpressed as “UE 1”.

Processes in steps S901 to S404 in FIG. 9 are similar to those in thesteps S301 to S304 in FIG. 7 , which are explained above in theProcedure Example 3. In a step S505, the UE 3 reports the detection ofthe radio link problem to the eNB 1 as the radio link status information(Radio link problem report (including Radio link status information,e.g., RLF in CELL2)). In a step S506, the eNB 1 instructs the eNB 2 totransmit information about the radio link problem regarding the radiolink with the UE 3 (UE 1 in FIG. 9 ), which has detected the radio linkproblem, and to release the bearer configured for that UE 3 (UE 1 inFIG. 9 ) (CELL2 reconfiguration indication (including request of Radiolink problem related information and UE1's bearer release)). In a stepS507, the eNB 2 releases the bearer for the UE 3 and reports theinformation about the radio link problem and the completion of thebearer release to the eNB 1 (CELL2 reconfiguration response (includingRadio link problem related information and completion of UErs bearerrelease)). Processes in the subsequent steps S508 and S509 are similarto those in the steps S308 and S309 in FIG. 7 .

According to the procedure shown in FIG. 9 , the eNB 1 can recognize theradio link problem occurring in the Cell 20 and can reduce (or prevent)packet losses and the like by appropriately coping with the problem.

Modification of Procedure Example 5

The procedure shown in FIG. 9 is merely an example of a case whereinformation about a radio link problem in the Cell 20 is transmittedfrom the eNB 2 to the eNB 1. The Procedure Example 5 may be modified asfollows.

Though it is not shown in FIG. 9 , when the eNB 1 takes over the bearerconfiguration of the Cell 20 configured in the eNB 2 and uses it for theCell 10, it is also necessary to reconfigure the core network (EPC) 4.The reconfiguration in the core network may be performed in accordancewith the procedure shown in the Procedure Example 3.

Although FIG. 9 shows a case where a problem in downlink datatransmission in the Cell 20 is coped with, a problem in the uplink data(UL data) transmission in the Cell 20 may be coped with in a similarmanner.

FIG. 9 shows an example where the eNB 1 controls establishment of aradio link for the UE 3 in the Cell 10 in order to cope with a radiolink problem in the Cell 20. However, the eNB 1 may transmit, to the UE3 through the Cell 10, an instruction for recovering the radio link inthe Cell 20 or an instruction for establishing a radio link in a celldifferent from both the Cell 10 and the Cell 20 (e.g., a third cell(CELL3)).

The UE 3 may transmit to the eNB 1 a request for configuration a cell,instead of the Cell 20, as a secondary cell (SCell), or a request toremove the Cell 20 from the SCell(s).

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In the first and second embodiments, the transmission and reception ofinformation (also called “messages”) between the first and second radiostations 1 and 2 may be performed by using, for example, a directinterface such as an LTE X2 interface, or may be performed through aninterface with a core network (e.g., EPC) 4 such as an LTE S1 interface.

The first and second embodiments can be applied to a case where thefirst radio station 1 (eNB 1) is a macro radio base station (Macro eNB(MeNB)) that serves (manages) a macro cell having a relatively largecoverage and the second radio station 2 (eNB 2) is a low-power radiobase station (Low Power Node (LPN)) that serves (manages) a cell havinga small coverage. Examples of a LPN include a pico-radio base station(Pico eNB (PeNB)) having functions similar to those of the MeNB and anew type of network node (New Node) having fewer functions than those ofthe MeNB. Alternatively, it is conceivable to employ a configuration inwhich a MeNB manages a LPN and control functions (e.g., an RRC layer) inan LPN cell. Further, the second cell 20 may be a new type of cell (NewCell Type) which is different from conventional cells and uses a newtype of carrier (New Carrier Type) different from conventional carriers.

Each of the communication control methods performed by the radio station1 (communication control unit 15), the radio station 2 (communicationcontrol unit 25), and the radio terminal 3 (communication control unit35) described in the first and second embodiments may be implemented byusing a semiconductor processing device such as an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, these methods may beimplemented by causing a computer system including at least oneprocessor (e.g., Microprocessor, Micro Processing Unit (MPU), or DigitalSignal Processor (DSP)) to execute a program. Specifically, one or moreprograms including instructions for causing a computer system to performalgorithms shown in the flowcharts and the sequence diagrams may becreated, and these programs may be supplied to a computer.

These programs can be stored in various types of non-transitory computerreadable media and thereby supplied to computers. The non-transitorycomputer readable media includes various types of tangible storagemedia. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include amagnetic recording medium (such as a flexible disk, a magnetic tape, anda hard disk drive), a magneto-optic recording medium (such as amagneto-optic disk), a CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), a CD-R, and a CD-R/W,and a semiconductor memory (such as a mask ROM, a PROM (ProgrammableROM), an EPROM (Erasable PROM), a flash ROM, and a RAM (Random AccessMemory)). Further, these programs can be supplied to computers by usingvarious types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of thetransitory computer readable media include an electrical signal, anoptical signal, and an electromagnetic wave. The transitory computerreadable media can be used to supply programs to computer through a wirecommunication path such as an electrical wire and an optical fiber, orwireless communication path.

In the first and second embodiments, an LTE system has been mainlyexplained. However, these embodiments may be applied to radiocommunication systems other than the LTE system, such as a 3GPPUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a 3GPP2 CDMA2000system (1×RTT, High Rate Packet Data (HRPD)), a Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM) system, and a WiMAX system.

Further, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for theapplication of the technical ideas obtained by the present inventors.Needless to say, these technical ideas are not limited to theabove-described embodiments and various modifications can be madethereto.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese patent applications No. 2013-038971, filed on Feb. 28, 2013,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1 FIRST RADIO STATION    -   2 SECOND RADIO STATION    -   3 RADIO TERMINAL    -   10 FIRST CELL    -   20 SECOND CELL    -   15 COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT    -   25 COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT    -   35 COMMUNICATION CONTROL UNIT

The invention claimed is:
 1. A radio terminal comprising: at least oneprocessor configured to perform Dual Connectivity by using a Primarycell (PCell) operated by a first base station and a cell operated by asecond base station which is different from the PCell, and detect aradio link failure in the cell using a timer; and a transceiverconfigured to transmit, to the first base station, information about theradio link failure in the cell, upon detection of the radio link failurein the cell, wherein the information about the radio link failure in thecell includes, as a failure type to be set into the information aboutthe radio link failure in the cell, information indicating that thetimer expired.
 2. The radio terminal according to claim 1, wherein theinformation about the radio link failure in the cell further includes atleast one of measurement results in the cell and measResultNeighCellsinformation indicating measurement results in neighbour cells.
 3. Theradio terminal according to claim 1, wherein the transceiver furtherconfigured to receive, from the first base station, configurationinformation for configuring the timer used by the radio terminal todetect the radio link failure in the cell.
 4. A method comprising:performing Dual Connectivity by using a Primary cell (PCell) operated bya first base station and a cell operated by a second base station whichis different from the PCell; detecting a radio link failure in the cellusing a timer; and upon detection of the radio link failure in the cell,transmitting, to the first base station, information about the radiolink failure in the cell, wherein the information about the radio linkfailure in the cell includes, as a failure type to be set into theinformation about the radio link failure in the cell, informationindicating that the timer expired.
 5. The method according to claim 4,wherein the information about the radio link failure in the cell furtherincludes at least one of measurement results in the cell andmeasResultNeighCells information indicating measurement results inneighbour cells.
 6. The method according to claim 4, further comprisingreceiving, from the first base station, configuration information forconfiguring the timer used by the radio terminal to detect the radiolink failure in the cell.
 7. A method comprising: communicating with aradio terminal performing Dual Connectivity using a Primary cell (PCell)operated by a first radio station and a cell operated by a second basestation which is different from the PCell; and receiving, from the radioterminal, information about a radio link failure in the cell, theinformation being sent upon detection of the radio link failure in thecell using a timer, wherein the information about the radio link failurein the cell includes, as a failure type to be set into the informationabout the radio link failure in the cell, information indicating thatthe timer expired.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein theinformation about the radio link failure in the cell further includes atleast one of measurement results in the cell and measResultNeighCellsinformation indicating measurement results in neighbour cells.
 9. Themethod according claim 7, further comprising transmitting configurationinformation for configuring a timer used by the radio terminal to detectthe radio link failure in the cell.